Shoplifting spree results in four arrests
MORGAN HILL
– Approximately $15,000 worth of merchandise was recovered
Saturday night by Morgan Hill Police officers when they arrested
four San Jose residents on a variety of charges, including
burglary.
Eduardo Mendez Zuniga, 28, Osman Alexi Villalia Veroy, 25,
Antonio De Jesus Fuentes, 26, and Elmer Mejia Balas, 19, were
booked into county jail.
Sgt. Troy Hoefling reported that the suspects were arrested
after an incident at the K-Mart store in the Lawrence Oaks Shopping
Center on East Dunne Avenue.
K-Mart employees called police at approximately 10:50 p.m. to
report a man had just run out of the store with a large amount of
merchandise. He entered a waiting black Nissan vehicle with three
people inside.
When they stopped the suspects, officers found
”
large quantities
”
of over-the-counter medications in bags in the back seat of the
Nissan. A search of the car turned up more drugs in the trunk and
open alcoholic beverages, Hoefling said.
A total of 1,027 miscellaneous packages of merchandise with an
approximate retail value of $15,000 were found in the vehicle.
The suspects were booked on felony charges of burglary,
conspiracy and a misdemeanor charge of possession of an open
container in a vehicle. The driver, Zuniga, was also charged with
driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and/or
drug as well as driving without a valid driver’s license.
County’s Housing Authority recognized for excellence
SAN JOSE – The county government agency that builds and manages affordable housing has received the highest designation for management in an evaluation by a top investment and financial rating firm.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority received the highest designation of “strong” in Standard and Poor’s rating system for public housing authorities in the areas of management, operations, financial management and portfolio assessment, agency officials announced this month.
The authority manages 2,290 public and affordable housing units and administers 15,700 Section 8 rental vouchers across Silicon Valley.
The new report credits the authority for its ability to leverage funding sources to expand its housing portfolio, maintain properties to a high level of condition and gain developer fees that subsidize administrative reports, officials said.
It also credits the agency for building attractive properties that often exceed the quality of surrounding buildings.
Committee Applications
GILROY – Gilroy Unified School District has made applications for its Measure I citizens’ oversight committee available online.
Through Friday, Dec. 20, the district will be taking completed applications from interested parties representing several different community stakeholder groups, such as senior citizens, tax payer groups and district parents. Formation of the committee is mandated by Measure I, the district’s $69 million school facilities bond that was passed by voters Nov. 5. The committee’s task is to be a watchdog of district spending and ensure that money form the bond goes to school construction and improvement projects only.
Completed applications must be submitted to the superintendent, 7810 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy, CA 95020 or faxed to 847-4717. For more information, call Marlene Hughes at 848-7112.
Wreath-making party
GILROY – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church invites the community to a wreath and swag making party on Saturday, Dec. 21. The event will take place in the Church Parish Hall between 9 a.m. and noon. A potluck brunch will be held. Bring gloves, clippers or scissors, and a wreath form if you desire. Greenery will be provided. Interesting berries will be welcome. Details: 842-4415.
‘Holiday Snap’
GILROY – Rod and Marion Pintello are proud to present “Holiday Snap,” the premier production at Pintello Comedy Theater, at at 8531 Church St. Directed by Marion Pintello and written by Michael Pertwee and John Chapman, performances will take place Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 3 to Feb. 1. All seats $15. Details:
776-8004.
Jacket drive
GILROY – The Community Service Club of South Valley Middle School is holding a jacket drive now through Dec. 20. The club is asking people to donate old jackets and sweatshirts for needy families in the community. Donations can be delivered to the school between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The school is located at 385 I.O.O.F. Ave. Details: 848-7185.
Toys for Tots
GILROY – This year the fire department is assisting the United States Marine Corps with the annual Toys for Tots Program. Donations are welcomed at the Chestnut Fire Station and the Las Animas Fire Station. Following the holiday, City Hall will also have a designated area to receive gifts. Details: 846-0370.
NEWS ITEMS: Please fax local news items to City Editor Jodi Engle at 842-2206, e-mail to ed****@****ic.com or mail to 6400 Monterey St., Gilroy.
